THE SHANNON VENUE ENTERS DESIGN PHASE

The Shannon Venue has entered an exciting phase in the project to deliver a community, civic and arts centre for Shannon. The design team, which was appointed in May, following a detailed procurement process, are now working towards having plans ready for submission to Clare County Council by September 2014.

Leading the design team will be Limerick based Hugh Kelly Architects. They are joined by Tobin Consulting Engineers (Civil & Structural), Lawlor Burns & Associates (Quantity Surveyors) and Matt O’ Mahony & Associates (Mechanical & Electrical). The team met recently with the project promoters to discuss the positioning of the building on site, general flow diagrams, the project brief, and finally, to agree a budget.

“We are now entering a very exciting stage of the project when the design will make another leap forward,” said Hugh Kelly, after the meeting.

Although the Shannon Venue has been given financial commitments in excess of €800,000, draw down of funds to drive the project to the next milestone, the application for planning permission, has only started recently

As Derek Barrett of The Shannon Venue explains: “One of the main contributors and the very first to come on board is Mick Guinee of Ei Electronics, who has been instrumental in helping us take this next step.”

‘The vote of confidence that Ei Electronics have shown us, has given us the encouragement to continue in our efforts to deliver this much needed community facility for Shannon. Ei Electronics and its management team are a credit to the region. They continue to deliver for Shannon.”

Speaking at a recent ‘Venue’ presentation to the Clare County Council, Mick Guinee explained to the members why Ei were happy to become involved.

“Shannon is the economic engine of this region. Yet it always amazed me that it lacks social and community infrastructure’. When Ei Electronics were approached last year they had no hesitation in giving their support to the project. I think Shannon deserves a general facility like this. Ei draws all our employees from Shannon and the surrounding areas. I believe such a venue will enrich the lives of our employees and everybody else in Shannon.”

Mr Guinee hopes that Ei’s financial contribution will encourage other companies to get on board and help fund the project, and in doing so, give something back to the town that they do business in.

The Shannon Venue was also delighted to receive a commitment of €15,000 from Shannon Town Council at their last official meeting. The council had always supported the plan, but it was a significant gesture to be included in their final act, the distribution of surplus funds.

Kevin Thompstone, President of The Shannon Chamber of Commerce and Director of The Shannon Venue Ltd said: “‘We believe this facility will help make Shannon a better place to live, work and do business in. It will become a focal social and cultural point for residents, employees, industry and visitors alike. It will give a renewed sense of place, purpose and community. It will also develop the regions tourism product, with significant benefits to the Airport, local hotels and restaurants, while also being able to accommodate off-site meetings and functions for corporates in the area.”

The Shannon Venue will hold an information day in SkyCourt on Saturday, the 5th of July.

“It is another opportunity for people in the town to see the progress that has been made since our public meeting last September. We hope to be in a position to answer questions, show some preliminary sketches and encourage people to get involved in developing awareness, and helping out with fundraising,” says Eoin Hoctor of The Shannon Venue.

The information point will be across from Mc Loughney’s Newsagents & Dealz where The Shannon Venue currently has a window display and PowerPoint presentation on display.

Quick Links

Subscribe for local news

The Venue

Donate Now to contribute to the Venue project

Supporters

Our aim is to provide a debt free facility.
All our research has shown that this is vital for future long term sustainability.
We are looking to raise €8m. A big number and a big challenge, but it can be done.